When you hire someone to dig into your personal information, and finances, or look into your partner, you should be able to fully trust them. Hiring a quality private investigator is similar to any other professional you want to work on your home or for your business. Looking into the reputation of a private investigator should give you a clear picture of how they treat their clients, what kind of information they can gather, and if they have a specialty. Here are some tips to help you find a quality private investigator that will best serve your needs.
Check Their Credentials
Most countries and states require licensing in order for private investigators to run their business. Before you hire a private investigator, you should confirm that they have gone through the proper education and training required for your state. Check with licensing boards or other associations like The National Association of Legal Investigators or The World Association of Detectives to see if the agency you are considering is reputable.
Verify Reputation
Reviews and reputation say a lot about a quality private investigator, especially when they work in a specialized field like legal or investigation. Referrals, reviews, and shares on social media are just a few ways that you can find a private investigator that other people have used. Getting referrals or thoughts from others you trust will help to verify that the investigator is of high quality. Once you verify that the investigator can deliver on the work and provide you with a positive end result, you are well on your way to finding the right private investigator.
Evaluate Their Technology And Resources
With the advancement of technology, a modern business needs to utilize these tools in order to continue to serve their clients. A quality private investigator should have access to and knowledge of GPS tracking, forensic tools, online databases, social media, cameras, and background investigation techniques. When you meet with a potential private investigator, ask them about their process and what tools they use on every job. Make sure that anyone you hire is using ethical methods, not hacking or unauthorized surveillance.
Find One That Prioritizes Communication
Private investigators should be communicating with a client throughout the investigation. This allows them to pivot if the client needs more surveillance, more background information, or other research as the situation of the case evolves. A PI who doesn’t communicate with you could be missing vital information or be caught in an illegal act that will jeopardize your case. Some questions to ask yourself during a consultation with your potential PI are:
- How well do they explain their process?
- Do they listen to your concerns?
- Do they ask thoughtful questions?
- Are they responsive and easy to reach?
- Do they make unrealistic promises?
Ensure They Follow Legal And Ethical Standards
Despite the media portrayal of detectives and private investigators, they are not allowed to break the rules or go around other law enforcement agents to catch the bad guy. Private investigators will need to follow legal and ethical standards that police, detectives, and attorneys are held to. If your PI suggests using deception, unethical practices, or an act without proper licensing, they are not the best to hire for your investigation needs.
Choose One In Your Budget
Since PIs are a type of freelance worker, they can range in price depending on what investigative services you are looking for. Hourly rates for quality private investigators can range from $50 to $200, so the last step in choosing a PI is to consider your budget. An experienced PI will offer you a detailed breakdown of their different costs and other additional costs you may encounter.
Private investigators should be upfront about travel costs, or other fees needed for your specific case before you even hire them. Make sure you read the terms of service in a contract before signing.
A Quality Private Investigator With Our Team
St. George Private Investigations can help you with fraud cases, child custody, infidelity, and much more. Our investigators want to help Utah clients have better peace of mind about their safety and security. Our PIs know that clear communication and ethical practices are crucial to our reputation. Our clients have seen firsthand how our investigative techniques can help you have a positive outcome and face the future with a brighter outlook. Reach out to our private investigators to learn more about our process, the technology we use, and how we can help improve your daily life.